literature

Knowing (pt 19)

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Literature Text

Betrayal

Nissa wished she could weep, but that well had run dry.

Strangely, the cage was almost a comfort this time. The bars provided distance from the still-upset Lorcan, despite the cage door being unlocked.

“Why do you still dislike me so, pet?” Lorcan's tone wasn't derogatory or even angry. He sounded hurt. “Is my kindness not enough for you?”

Nissa toyed with a piece of fabric on her dress. “Sometimes...sometimes you still frighten me. So, when The Knowing tells me to run, I do. I can't stop myself.”

Lorcan turned his quizzical expression her way. “The Knowing?”

Nissa shrugged. “Yes.”

“Pray, tell. What is this Knowing?”

Another shrug. She couldn't explain it. She just couldn't tell him.

Lorcan shook his head and paced toward the door. “How can you expect me to trust you when in return you offer nothing?”

Nissa sighed. “How can you ask that of me when it should be the other way around?” She pushed out of the cage and settled helplessly on the couch.

Lorcan smirked wryly. “Is that how you wish this game to end? At an impasse?”

“I can't answer your question if you can't answer mine.”

“I am certain some arrangement can be reached.” He sank to the couch nearby.

Nissa straightened and clenched her fists, pressing her fingernails into her palms. “No.

With a huff, Lorcan catapulted off the couch and out the gilded doors. They slammed behind him.

“It's all the better, I suppose.”

Nissa turned to Octavian's voice by the far wall. He had a propensity for doing that.

“His wrath always gets the better of him, poor man.”

“Why are you here?” Nissa relaxed her shoulders and stared at the floor. Even she couldn't miss the tremor in her voice.

It took mere seconds for Octavian to soar across the room and settle in beside her. “The fool has upset you, hasn't he?”

Nissa couldn't find the words to speak. Lorcan upset her more than Octavian could imagine. He was absolutely infuriating. The tears overtook her again – just when she thought there could be no more.

Octavian wrapped his arms around her and rested her head against his chest. “As I said, it is well. He would only lead you down the treacherous path he resides beside. He cares naught for any but himself. Do not be dismayed, I will watch over you.”

What are you doing?”

Nissa jerked away from Octavian at the same moment he jumped to his feet. She choked back one last cry.

“Lorcan.” Octavian cleared his throat. “I did not expect you to return so soon.”

“I gathered.”

“I can explain. I—”

“Go.” Lorcan motioned to the gold door.

Octavian scurried out into the hall, and Nissa heard his retreating footsteps seconds before she knew.

Fiann.

“He was just trying to make me feel better.” She remained as still as she possibly could.

Lorcan breathed a laugh. “Do not allow that oaf to deceive you. I, of anyone, can tell you he plans to lead you from my treacherous path.” He stepped closer, mere inches from Nissa's face. “You are under my protection. You are mine. If anyone dares dispute it, I will gladly free them of their tongue.” He stormed past and slammed his bedroom door behind him.

Nissa curled up on the couch and mulled over what she now knew. “Fiann.”


Fingers pulled at her skin, scratching and pinching.

Cackling echoed around her, a distant sound beyond the bright light.

Heinous red bulbs glowed from the darkness beyond, and a finger reached out to touch her cheek.



Nissa woke, screaming once more, but found she couldn't pull herself to a sitting position.

Long fingers rested on her head. His thumb stroked her hair. “Go back to sleep, mortal. Though your screams dragged me from my slumber, I will drive your terrors away. They will be made to regret plaguing your dreams.”

Nissa lifted her eyes to meet Lorcan's. “What happened with Fiann?”

Lorcan furrowed his brow. “Who told you of it?”

Nissa remained silent and hoped he would put two and two together.

“The Knowing,” Lorcan finally deduced. “You did mention it before.” He shook his head. “Truly, your mind is spectacular.”

“What about Fiann?” Nissa curled her arms tighter as the chilly night air hit her.

Lorcan stood, paced to the cage, and returned with her blanket. He tucked the soft, warm edge up around her shoulders. “Sleep, pet.”

For the time being, Nissa ignored the urge to press the subject further. She curled her fists under her chin and closed her eyes. Breathed slowly, in and out. Within minutes, she gave in to peaceful slumber.
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